Rare Book and Paper Conservator

LAC Federal•Bethesda, MD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Rare Book and Paper Conservator to provide specialized conservation treatment, preservation support, and collections care services for rare and unique historical materials, including books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, and archival paper collections. This position supports the preservation and accessibility of historically significant biomedical collections used by researchers, scholars, and the public. The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical conservation skills, experience working in library or archival conservation laboratories, and the ability to independently perform complex conservation treatments within a federal research library environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Conservation, Library Science, Museum Studies, Preservation, Archival Studies, or a related field.
Minimum five (5) years of professional experience performing rare book and manuscript conservation and repair in a library, archives, museum, or cultural heritage institution.
Demonstrated training through a qualified conservator, apprenticeship, formal conservation program, or equivalent hands-on conservation experience.
Experience performing complex conservation treatments on paper- and book-based collections.
Experience repairing leather, cloth, and paper-bound materials, including re-backs, board repairs, and case repairs.
Knowledge of conservation-grade materials, tools, and techniques used in preservation and collections care.
Experience preparing accurate written condition reports and treatment documentation with digital photography.
Demonstrated knowledge of disaster response, salvage, recovery, mold identification, and remediation procedures for collections materials.
Knowledge of safe handling, use, storage, and disposal procedures for hazardous chemicals used in conservation treatment activities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work independently in a collaborative federal environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree specializing in book or paper conservation from a recognized conservation program.
Professional membership in the American Institute for Conservation (AIC).
Experience working in a federal library, academic research library, museum, or special collections environment.
Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma or other integrated library systems used in special collections environments.
Experience supporting digitization and digital preservation initiatives involving fragile materials.
Experience creating custom housings and phase boxes for rare and oversized materials.
Knowledge of preservation metadata and digital asset documentation practices.
Experience training staff or interns in collections care and conservation handling procedures.
Familiarity with NIH, NLM, or federal collections handling and security procedures.
Experience working with audiovisual, photographic, or mixed-media collections.

Responsibilities

Perform conservation treatment and stabilization of rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, and flat paper materials using current conservation best practices and American Institute for Conservation (AIC) standards.
Conduct treatments including cleaning, adhesive removal, stain reduction, tear repair, loss compensation, flattening, pigment consolidation, mold remediation, and iron gall ink stabilization.
Repair damaged bindings, covers, spines, text blocks, and cases involving leather, cloth, and paper-bound materials.
Design and construct custom protective enclosures and housings for rare and fragile collection materials.
Prepare collection materials for digitization and institutional loans, including packing and condition assessment activities.
Create detailed condition and treatment reports with photographic documentation using NLM’s online systems and databases.
Provide photography support for digital initiatives and conservation documentation workflows.
Conduct preservation assessments, collection surveys, and ongoing collections maintenance activities.
Assist with disaster preparedness, salvage, recovery, and mold remediation activities for library collections.
Maintain conservation laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies, and assist with supply inventory and procurement recommendations.
Support staff training, demonstrations, and outreach activities related to conservation and preservation practices.
Prepare and submit accurate monthly work summaries and treatment documentation in accordance with contract reporting requirements.